Rattan or wicker furniture is a stylish addition to many gardens and outdoor spaces. However, over time you may find that you need to give it some TLC to keep it looking its best. In this article we explain how to do simple rattan chair repairs, whether you want to replace damaged rattan or spruce it up with paint.
Follow the tips below and your rattan furniture will soon be looking as good as new.
Replacing damaged rattan pieces
Although rattan is a durable material, over time it’s likely that a few strands will break. Here’s how to repair cane furniture:
Tools Needed:
- Replacement rattan strands or rattan repair kit
- Superglue or wood glue
- Scissors or wire cutters
- Soft-bristled brush
- Bowl of warm water
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: Approximately £5 – £15 (depending on material used)
Step 1
Before you begin, give your rattan furniture a good clean with a soft-bristled brush to remove any dust or dirt.
Step 2
Take a photo of the item you are repairing before you start, and make sure you can zoom in on the area you will be fixing so that you can check the weaving pattern later on.
Step 3
Cut out any broken or damaged rattan using sharp scissors or wire cutters. We recommend leaving about half an inch of the strand attached to the side of the chair, so that you can easily stick the new rattan to it.
Step 4
Use the strand that you have just cut out to measure the length of a replacement piece from a rattan repair kit. Cut it a little longer than the original strand, to give you some extra material to work with.
Step 5
Soak the new rattan strand in warm water for 20 – 30 minutes. This will allow it to soften and become flexible.
Step 6
Shake off any excess water, then attach one edge of the strand to the edge of the chair with waterproof superglue or wood glue. Press it into place and let the glue dry for about 5 minutes.
Step 7
Weave the new strand into the chair, following the original pattern (check the photo you took if necessary).
Step 8
When you reach the other side of the chair, pull the strand taut and trim off any excess material.
Step 9
Attach the strand to the edge of the chair with superglue. Wait at least 30 minutes for the glue to fully harden before using the chair.
Painting Rattan
A fresh coat of paint can give your rattan furniture a new lease of life. Here’s how to do it:
Tools Needed:
- Soft-bristled brush
- Damp cloth
- Newspaper or dust sheet
- Primer (spray can or acrylic with brush)
- Outdoor spray paint cans
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: Approximately £10 – 20 (depending on material used)
Step 1
Give your rattan furniture a good clean, using a soft-bristled brush followed by a damp (not wet) cloth to remove dust and dirt.
Step 2
Prepare your working area by laying down newspaper or a dust sheet and then placing the chair on top of it. If you are using spray paint (recommended), you must always work in a well-ventilated space – preferably outside.
Step 3
Apply a primer to help create an even surface and a neutral base. A spray primer will be the most convenient, but if you prefer you can use a standard acrylic primer and a soft brush.
Step 4
Once the primer is completely dry, you can apply the paint. Using a good, waterproof spray paint is the best option – use a gentle, sweeping motion and make sure it’s not too windy! We recommend spraying the chair with multiple light coats to achieve the best finish. Check the can for instructions on how long the paint should be left to dry between coats.
Step 5
Let the paint dry overnight, then check for any areas that need touch-ups the next day. Leave the chair to fully dry for 24 hours before using it.
Hopefully you’ve now got all the information you need for rattan and cane chair repairs. Need some help with DIY around the house? Find a Tasker near you today.
